Polluted water kills more people than wars, UN report finds

More people die from polluted water than from all forms of violence, including war, according to a UN report today.

It says an estimated two billion tons of waste water – including fertiliser run-off, sewage and industrial waste – is being discharged daily, fuelling the spread of disease and damaging ecosystems.

“Sick Water” – the report launched by the UN Environment Program to coincide with World Water Day – says 3.7% of all deaths are attributed to water-related diseases, translating into millions.

The report says it takes three litres of water to produce one litre of bottled water.